Seeking Instruction in Righteousness So That You and I May Be Perfect - Part 807

"Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:14-17)

Sometimes, when we are not sure about where we are in our faith walk, we need to return to the Word that was delivered by Him who loves us beyond measure. It is for this reason that today's blog presents II Timothy 2 in its entirety. Meditate on His Word for your edification and enjoyment. If there are parts that you do not understand, ask our Lord God and Saviour -- Jesus the Christ -- our Comforter -- for His wisdom and knowledge ... "so that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:17)

"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

[So] that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (II Timothy 2:1-26)

Stand in the offering plate.

Study to Show Thyself Approved - Part 806

How many times have you heard church ministries state -- "Here are the Biblically sound words of preacher or priest so and so" in an effort to encourage you to read their particular insights? And then, upon further investigation, you discover that these same preacher/priest's respective statement of faith and doctrines, are not Biblically sound. What do you do? 

For example, today, I was reading an article and happened upon the scripture Isaiah 40:25. It states: "To whom then will you liken Me that I would be His equal?" In the King James version, this same verse puts it this way: "To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One." (Isaiah 40:25) Regardless of the translation used, the message (at least in this scripture) is still the same. 

That is, there is one God and besides Him, there is no other. "Yet I am the Lord thy God ... and thou shalt know no God but Me, for there is no Saviour beside Me." (Hosea 13:4) "I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from Me, there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) "Declare what is to be present, present it -- let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no God apart from Me, a righteous God and a Saviour. There is none but Me." (Isaiah 45:21)

This is a critical point in the gospel message of the kingdom because if we do not know God by name, then how do we even know in whom we believe? In whom we worship? I have been told that the number one question (when it comes to religion and spirituality) is "Who is God?" Number two is similar in nature -- "What is He like?" 

But if the very religious experts that we regularly subscribe to in our literature choices do not have this very basic understanding of the Godhead, then how can we realistically believe that they have valuable insights on the rest of the gospel narrative?

This is particularly true of those churches who present the trinity or a triune god (God in three persons) as truth. What is worse is when these same churches are questioned on this stance, there is even further distortion of the Godhead. Instead of believing that God is One God who became our Saviour -- our heavenly Father in creation, the precious Son in redemption and now today the Holy Spirit as our Comforter -- the latest deviancy from the scriptures is to suggest that the Son of God became flesh, or that God is one but co-equal with three persons. 

These ignore I Timothy 3:16 that states: "And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."  Not another God but the same God was manifest in the flesh. "For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

This is why Jesus could say, as He did in John 10:30, for example, that "I and My Father are one." Not two persons in the Godhead but one. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-18) This is why the disciples saw "Jesus only."

But John is not the only disciple to allude to Jesus being God in the flesh. Mark wrote: And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord." (Mark 12:29)

Further, throughout both the old and new testaments, God reveals Himself to His people by name. In this current dispensation of grace, His name is Jesus. The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

"For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Put another way, "Ye are My witnesses," saith the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me, there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I even I, am the Lord, and apart from Me, there is no Saviour." .(Isaiah 43:10-11) The first commandment tells us to worship the Lord thy God with all our heart, our soul, our mind and our strength. Indeed, the Bible states: "You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3)

Other verses that confirm that God is one and that this same Creator that was in the beginning became flesh (in a sin-prone body but without sin) and shed His precious blood on the cross for us? We could start with Philip when he said unto Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us." What did Jesus say? "Have I been so long time with you and yet thou hast not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father. And how sayest thou then, "Show us the Father?" (John 14:8-9)

Even the devil believes that there is one God and these same tremble. (James 2:19) So why then do the religious of this day attempt to divide this same one God into three persons? God as a tri-une God. Does the word "deceived" come to mind?  If not, then why do church organizations have statements of faith that do not align scripturally with the Word?

The Bible states: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending," saith the Lord, "which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, [even] in His Son Jesus Christ -- This is the true God, and eternal life." (I John 5:20)

"Who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:3)

"For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him." (Colossians 1:16)

"But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by Him." (I Corinthians 8:6)

"For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fulness dwell ..." (Colossians 1:19)

"One Lord, One faith, One baptism." (Ephesians 4:5) 

And Thomas answered and said unto Him [Jesus] -- "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28) "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works." (John 14:10) 

"God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship [Him] in spirit and in truth." (John 4:24) 

Then saith Jesus unto him, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." (Matthew 4:10)

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9)

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19) "To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:25) "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

"Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself ..." (Isaiah 44:24) "Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren." (I John 3:16) Not another but the same God who created us in the beginning. by 

There are many more verses that point to the same Lord God in the beginning becoming our Saviour. But don't take my word for it. Study the scriptures for yourself and discover just how much our Lord God loves us. Most of all, don't be deceived or blinded by the god of this world which believes not "lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (II Corinthians 4:4)

Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate. 

How Can These Things Be? - Part 805

In Luke 24, Jesus told His apostles to preach repentance and the remission of sin in His name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. In Mark's gospel, we read that he who believes and is baptized shall be saved. In Acts 2, we read about the first 3,000 believers in the church who were baptized by immersion in water "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 2:38-42) In John, Jesus said to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, that "except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:5) 

But like so many of us, Nicodemus didn't understand what Jesus was saying. So he asked Jesus, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Marvel not that I said unto thee, "Ye must be born again." (John 3:4-6)

Therefore, when we ask Jesus into our life by faith, and fully seek His righteousness and Word, we realize that we have been set free because of Jesus atoning death. We are now saved by faith from our previously fallen exiled state. In fact, when we seek Jesus and all His righteousness, we are restored into fellowship with Him -- as the relationship between God and man was originally intended. As a consequence, we can be confident in our salvation. We can be unwavering in the love and joy and peace that surpasses all human understanding. 

Do you remember the woman at the well? She was jumping for joy after meeting Jesus. Here was a woman who didn't even go to the well at the same time as the other women (because of her reputation) now running down the main street telling everyone about Jesus. So astonished were the witnesses who watched her that they spoke to the woman, asking her what had happened. Anyone who knows what it is like to meet Jesus and make Him their personal Saviour already knows the answer. But just in case we need a reminder, this woman who met Jesus for the very first time at the well was transformed in her heart. So much so, that she left her water pitchers behind. This is what Jesus does. He gives us peace and joy.

But unfortunately, once we are saved, we too often forget that the Lord does not want us to stop our faith journey there. He desires that we go further in His Word -- therefore, becoming followers of Jesus. Sons and daughters of the Most High King. However, like the woman at the well -- having just received salvation -- we are so overjoyed with redemption that we ask ourselves, "What could possibly be more fulfilling?" 

Well, let me tell you. Jesus said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." 

Why? Because without the shedding of blood, there could be no forgiveness of sins. This is why we call His name Jesus for "He shall save His people from their sin." (Matthew 1:21) How can this be, you ask? "All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6) 

Indeed, He who knew no sin became sin for us. (II Corinthians 5:21) Yes, the same God who created us in the beginning shed His precious blood on the cross so that we could be saved. He paid the price once and for all. 

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. 

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:17-21)

So, let us come boldly to the throne of grace for "it is finished." Only then did He ascend into heaven and sit down. Why did He sit down? The response is simple. He had, by Himself completed the work of redemption. As a consequence, you are complete in Him. Complete. Complete because there is no salvation available unless it is in the name. His name. The precious name of Jesus whereby salvation was made possible. This is our starting point -- believing in His saving grace.

The next step? Delve into the Word today. Learn as much as you can about the Lord Jesus who loved you and I enough to shed His precious blood on a cross. Like the woman at the well, your life will be transformed. Your heart will be full of His joy and peace that passes all human understanding. You will never again be the same because Jesus never fails. Stand in the offering plate.

How Excellent Is Thy Name In All the Earth - Part 804

In the psalm below, David shares how we are to glorify the Lord (who later becomes our Saviour), and to recognize how excellent is His name. Even though you and I were made to be a little lower than the angels for a season, our Lord and Saviour cares about who we are. So much so, that He didn't leave us or forsake us when Adam and Eve left the Garden. Rather, the same God who created us in the beginning willingly made Himself known to us when He shed His precious blood on the cross. Psalm chapter eight states:

"O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth who hast set Thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man, that Thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that Thou visitest him? For Thou hast made Him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned Him with glory and honour.

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field. The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

O Lord our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8)

Although David penned these words under a dispensation known as the old covenant, we can be assured that our Lord God and Saviour still loves us, and still desires to get to know us as His sons and daughters -- as friends of the Most High King. And He doesn't make us jump through hoops and hurdles to experience salvation. 

Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)

You see, He didn't just offer us an opportunity to inherit eternal life, but throughout this new covenant of grace, He promises us peace and joy. His promises to give us His wisdom and knowledge, if we would only believe in Him and seek His righteousness. 

Jesus said, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved ... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) He also said, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) 

How do we know this to be true? Because He is Jesus, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The King of kings and Lord of lords. Beside Him, there is no other. It is He that the scriptures state "shall save His people from their sin." (Matthew 1:20) And moreover, ... "If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him." (I John 2:29) 

Therefore, let no man seduce or lure you with enticing words, or attempt to tell you spiritual matters that do not specifically align with His Word. Instead, let that which ye have heard from the beginning -- the apostles' doctrine which lays out the teachings of Jesus -- abide in you. (I John 2:24-20) 

Why? Because this is what Jesus' disciples did -- the same people who walked with Him day in and out instructed us to "continue steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Act 2:42) 

And in each day that the Lord hath made, know firsthand that "the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him. [So] now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." (I John 2:27-29)

Stand in the offering plate.

He That Follows Me Shall Not Walk in Darkness - Part 803

Paul wrote: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11-12)

In this post, we continue searching the scriptures to show how conviction only applies to unbelievers -- the ungodly -- in this current dispensation of grace. In other words, conviction or being convicted (pricked in your heart and/or convicted in your conscience) is for those who have not yet come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. In a similar way, conviction is also associated with the end times, when Jesus returns to execute judgement on ungodly sinners who have rejected Him.

"To execute judgement upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." (Jude 1:15)

To believe otherwise would suggest that the Comforter who has taken His rightful position in our hearts, minds and soul as a consequence of our belief in Jesus and His righteousness, does not indeed comfort. That premise -- as we have already read from the scriptures in earlier posts -- would be completely contrary to the Word. 

Unfortunately, the devil has been able to convince some believers that they are not fully redeemed by the precious blood that He Himself who knew no sin shed on the cross for us. These same tend to believe that salvation comes because of something they personally do -- whether it be through good works, or "right living" or clean living, or striving to "just do things right" by doing the best they can, etc. 

But as the Bible makes very clear, a multiplicity of good works -- combined with good intentions -- and/or right living is not how we become saved. Reading from Romans chapter three:

"Both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. As it is written, "There is none righteous, no, not one." There is none that understandeth. There is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way. They are together become unprofitable. There is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips, whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the Law saith, it saith to them who are under the Law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." (Romans 3:9-19)

This is the starting point for each and every one of us. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Indeed, by virtue of birth, we have deviated from the laws of God that were written in our hearts. Therefore, as unbelievers, we stand condemned because of the judgement that was exercised when Adam and Eve chose to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden. The world could have ended here.

But in spite of Adam and Eve's transgression, our Lord God loved His children. We were His blessed creation. He did not want any of us to perish. Not one. So, even before the earth was formed, God decided to willingly become our Saviour.  

Hence, it was declared from the beginning that the Christ -- Jesus -- God Almighty in the flesh -- would become as one of us, shedding His precious blood on the cross so that we might be saved. (John 1:1-18)

"That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but He that believeth not is condemned already, because He hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18) 

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:15-21)

In John chapter eight, Jesus elaborates on the difference between those who believe and are set free and those who do not. He reveals that when the Comforter comes, we shall have the light of life. We shall know the truth and that His truth shall set us free. We will walk in His liberty. More importantly, we will no longer be servants of sin -- not because of what we do or try to do, but rather, because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. He paid the price for our sin once and for all. 

Herein, is our salvation. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8-9) In other words, our sins have been washed clean by His precious blood. Jesus said, 

"I am the light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

But the Pharisees -- the unbelievers -- the ungodly who did not believe Jesus to be the prophesied Christ even then -- said unto Jesus, "Thou bearest record of thyself. Thy record is not true." 

Jesus, knowing their hearts and also knowing that the Pharisees did not believe in Him, said unto them, "Though I bear record of Myself, yet My record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am One that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of Me."

Then said they unto Him, "Where is thy Father?" Jesus answered, "Ye neither know Me, nor my Father. If ye had known Me, ye should have known my Father also."

These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as He taught in the temple. In spite of the inward desires of the Pharisees, no man laid hands on Him because His hour was not yet come. 

Then said Jesus again unto them, "I go My way, and ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins [because you have not believed in Me]. Whither I go, ye cannot come." Then said the Jews, "Will He kill himself? Because He saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come."

And Jesus said unto them, "Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins."

Then said they unto Him, "Who art thou?" And Jesus saith unto them, "Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. I have many things to say and to judge of you, but He that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of Him."

They understood not that He spake to them of the Father. Then said Jesus unto them, "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him."

As He spake these words, many believed on Him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, "If ye continue in my Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

They answered Him, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man. How sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?"

Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin, and the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill Me, because My Word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with My Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father."

They answered and said unto Him, "Abraham is our father." 

Jesus saith unto them, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill Me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God. This did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father." 

Then said they to Him, "We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God."

Jesus said unto them, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? Even because ye cannot hear My Word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe Me not. Which of you convinceth Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe Me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."

Then answered the Jews, and said unto Jesus, "Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?" Jesus answered, "I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour Me. And I seek not Mine own glory. There is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep My saying, he shall never see death."

Then said the Jews unto Him, "Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?"

Jesus answered, "If I honour Myself, My honour is nothing: it is My Father that honoureth Me; of whom ye say, that He is your God: Yet ye have not known Him; but I know Him: and if I should say, I know Him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know Him, and keep His saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad."

Then said the Jews unto Him, "Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?" Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am."

Romans chapter three reiterates this point -- that those of us who believe in Jesus Christ by faith are similarly justified in His sight.

"Therefore, by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets -- even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe." (Romans 3:20-22)

"For there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

But when we believe in Jesus and seek His righteousness, we are "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ... To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:24-26)

Therefore, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3) 

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith." (I John 5:4) Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." (Titus 1:15)

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)

But please, don't just believe me on these spiritual matters. Rather, "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) Stand in the offering plate.

We Are Sealed Unto the Day of Redemption - Part 802

"These things understood not His disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of Him, and [that] they had done these things unto Him." (John 12:16)

Herein, we continue the study on conviction. In this blog, we look at how conviction in the Bible has a close association with the last days. Starting in John chapter 14: 

Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor Me.

But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to Him that sent me; and none of you asketh Me, "Whither goest thou?"

But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. 

And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see Me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for He shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father.¹⁵ All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you." 

Then said some of His disciples among themselves, "What is this that He saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me: and, Because I go to the Father?"

They said therefore, "What is this that He saith, A little while? We cannot tell what He saith." Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask Him, and said unto them, "Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me?"

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

At that day, ye shall ask in My name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you for the Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father."

His disciples said unto Him, "Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that Thou camest forth from God."

Jesus answered them, "Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. 

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:1-33)

It is the sinners in the world that are convicted and judged. The Comforter will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on Me. These do not believe in our Lord God and Saviour ...which is why there is judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 

But this is not the situation for those who believe in Jesus, and seek His righteousness. In that case, when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. He shall glorify Me [Jesus]: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Read the words that Jesus spoke for yourself. Believe in His power for your life. Know still that there is more to come. Stand in the offering plate.

Jesus Has Already Overcome the World - Part 801

In John chapter sixteen, Jesus told us to be of good cheer, even when the world gives us tribulation, for He has already overcome the world. He promises that our sorrow shall be turned into joy. Our hearts shall rejoice, and our joy will no man taketh from you. Indeed, our joy shall be full.

Therefore, "whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name. Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." (John 14:13-14) 

From earlier blogs written on the subject of conviction, we read that Jesus said, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." 

Similarly, we learned that "conviction" is a necessity if unbelievers or the ungodly are to realize that they must have a personal relationship with Jesus first, and seek His righteousness, in order to be part of His Church. But before this, unbelievers need to be convicted in their hearts and conscience to understand that one cannot inherit eternal life until they have personally accepted the Saviour. No one can do it for us. But the good news is that once we have repented of our sin, continuing steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine, which includes being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, the Comforter does come. (Acts 2:38-42) 

And when the Comforter comes, He teaches us wisdom and knowledge and truth. He comforts us in our darkest moments, pointing our hearts to the light of the world -- Jesus. Indeed, He does NOT condemn us (as some today proclaim) because as we know from Romans 8:1-39: "[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." NO CONDEMNATION.

So, if the Comforter does not come to condemn us, what purpose does the Holy Ghost serve? Good question. 

Jesus elaborates. "If you continue in My Word, then you are My disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. But those listening answered Him, saying, "We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man. How sayest Thou, Ye shall be made free?" Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you -- whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house forever; but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)

As well, Jesus said, "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him, but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU COMFORTLESS. I WILL COME TO YOU ... the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:17-26)

Shortly after, Jesus said, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of Me." (John 15:26)

And later again, Jesus said, "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, [that] shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

For those who have not heard whether there be a Holy Ghost, like those in Acts 19:2-8, please note this verse because it is intended for you. "Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17)

Moreover, be blessed because our Lord God and Saviour does not condemn those who seek Jesus and His righteousness. He already paid that price for us on the cross. Even before we were formed in our mother's womb, the Lord God loved us. And He loved us enough to become a man and shed His precious blood so that we would never again have to walk alone. 

So "According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him ... That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.(Ephesians 3:11-21) 

Other verses? "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world." (I John 4:4) But as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9-13)  

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father." (Galatians 4:6) "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (I Corinthians 2:13) "He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew [it] unto you." (John 16:14) "For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure." (John 3:34)

And just in case there is still questions, there are many more scriptural references indicating that we are no longer under the Law, whereby we can be convicted, but under grace, because before we even knew Jesus, He loved us.

"Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." (Hebrews 1:9) "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." (Romans 8:16) So rejoice and be glad in this day that the Lord hath made. He did not send the Comforter to torment us -- to make us toss and turn at night over our transgressions. Instead, the Comforter -- our Lord God who willingly became our Saviour came to give us His joy. His peace. His love. "He who knew no sin became sin for us."

There is more to come. Stand in the offering plate.

We Have Not Received the Spirit of Bondage Again to Fear - Part 800

"And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:19)

In the last two blogs, I have been writing about conviction and condemnation. We have read that conviction (and likewise, condemnation) is for unbelievers and the ungodly. Why? Because there is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Romans chapter eight elaborates on this point. 

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 

For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:1-33) Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. More to come. Stand in the offering plate. 

In Me -- Jesus -- We Have Peace - Part 799

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."(John 16:33)

In the last blog, I wrote about conviction. Specifically, I referred to the example of some believing that the holy Spirit -- our Lord God and Saviour --convicts their hearts AFTER they are saved. Today, I will continue on this topic, citing scriptures that refer to conviction using the original King James version. I will also divide these verses into two sections. The first has to do with salvation -- when we as unbelievers are convicted /pricked in our hearts -- so that we will come to know Jesus as our personal Saviour. The second has to do with the end times (the last days) when Jesus returns with His saints to judge those who have rejected His Kingship and His name.

Beginning first with conviction of the ungodly or unsaved, we begin with the woman taken in adultery. Jesus had gone unto the mount of Olives, and early in the morning came again into the temple. There, all the people came unto Him, and He sat down and taught them. 

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto Him, "Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned but what sayest thou?" 

This they said, tempting Him, that they might have [justification] to accuse Him.

But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not. So when they continued asking Him, He lifted Himself up, and said unto them, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." 

And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last; and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. (John 8:9)

When Jesus lifted Himself up, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, "Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?" She said, "No man, Lord." And Jesus said unto her, "Neither do I condemn thee; go, and sin no more." (John 8:11)

Herein, these accusers (or unbelievers) were convicted in their own conscience. As of yet, they had not believed on Jesus and therefore, needed to be convicted in order to understand their own sin.

Another example can be found in Acts chapter two. Therein, on the Day of Pentecost, we read that the people listening to Peter (standing with the eleven) "were pricked in their heart" and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 

Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:37-38)

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized, and the same day, there were added unto them about three thousand souls. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:39-42)

When we believe in Jesus' complete redemption plan, we are free from all condemnation. When we believe in Jesus by faith, and seek His righteousness, we no longer speak in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but "which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (I Corinthians 2:13) The Comforter does not accuse us of our wrongdoing. Why? 

Because Jesus told us that we cannot serve two masters. "No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

Moreover, when we are crucified in Christ, we live -- "yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) Timothy takes this point one step further. He writes: "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:17)

If then we are perfect, labouring to enter into His rest, and furnished unto all good works, we as born again believers cannot be convicted by the Holy Ghost. We are set free. We are no longer condemned because Jesus paid the price on the cross, when He shed His precious blood for our sin.

This is not to suggest that we cannot be tempted by satan and feel as if we are still under condemnation but that is a different matter altogether. Let him who hath an ear to hear, hear. More to come. Stand in the offering plate. 

Earnestly Contending for the Faith - Part 798

There is a gospel song called Through It All that captured my heart many years ago. The lyrics state: "Through it all, I have learned to depend upon His Word." This is the same message found throughout the scriptures. 

Therein, the apostles encourage us to earnestly contend for the faith. (Jude 1:3) These same followers of Jesus similarly instruct us to hold fast to the faithful Word as the scriptures teach, in order that we can "both exhort and convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9) 

This is why when we are told something that doesn't appear to be accurate in terms of our faith and/or His Word, we need to be grounded in the scriptures -- in order to discern the truth accurately. 

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16)

Indeed, it is for this reason that we are to search the scriptures daily. 

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."(Acts 17:11)

But what happens when we do not have a good understanding of the scriptures? The Bible states that we can be led astray from false teachings and prophets that do not align their doctrines and statements of faith with the gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom.

Recently, I found myself in one of these situations. I had stumbled across a presentation of the gospel that suggested born again believers who believe in Jesus by faith can be "convicted" by the holy Spirit -- AFTER they are saved. For example, someone might say, "I couldn't get to sleep last night because the holy Spirit was convicting me." Does this sound familiar? 

A couple of things immediately come to mind. First, Jesus said that it is expedient for us that He goes away -- "for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." (John 16:7) Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)

Second, if we accept the idea that Jesus still convicts us after we have believed in Him by faith, then wouldn't this nullify the sacrifice of our Lord God and Saviour on the cross -- when He paid the price for us in full? Where would that leave us? 

Remember, we have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is why every one of us must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins -- so that we too receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-42) The Lord doesn't give us "gifts" that torment. Rather, He bestows upon us blessings according to His abundant mercy and riches.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (I Peter 1:3)

Third, if the Holy Ghost convicted us, His precious blood shed on the cross for you and I would be insufficient, and subsequently, only partially cleanse us from sin. But as we know from the scriptures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness ... And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ -- the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 1:9)

This is why it is critically important that we learn the scriptures as a foundation for our faith. It also explains why the apostles were diligent about delivering the original faith which was delivered unto them. 

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

"Holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9)

"Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (I Corinthians 2:13)

This is good counsel not only for me but for every person who seeks Jesus and His righteousness in their life. We need to search the Word. We also need to know that when we believe in Jesus by faith, we are completely cleansed from ALL unrighteousness. Our sins have been forgiven forever -- never to return. Thus, believers are free from ALL condemnation.  

Moreover, because Jesus paid the ultimate price -- He who knew no sin becoming sin for you and I -- believers can be confident that -- "in Him verily is the love of God perfected, hereby, know we that we are in Him." (I John 2:5) 

Other scriptures about the Comforter?

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" (Luke 11:13)

"But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light ..." (I Peter 2:9)

"That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us .." (Hebrews 6:18)

"Therefore, study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)

This discussion on "conviction" will continue tomorrow. In the interim, read the Word of our Lord God and Saviour for your own edification, knowledge and wisdom. 

Know that "the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9) 

Let him that hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.